Max Scherzer loses battle with Manny Machado, Nats fall 4-3

Just as he did in his last start, Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer surrendered a two-run homer in the first inning of tonight's game.

Scherzer retired Gerardo Parra and Manny Machado before walking Chris Davis. Steve Pearce then hammered Scherzer's 95 mph fastball over the left field wall for his 14th home run.

The Nats answered in the bottom of the frame. After a leadoff double, Anthony Rendon scored on Yunel Escobar's single to center.

Update: When Jonathan Schoop whiffed in the fourth, Scherzer set the Nationals' single-season strikeout record with 243, surpassing Stephen Strasburg's mark of 242 accomplished last season.

Scherzer has allowed two runs on five hits with two walks and nine strikeouts through five innings.

Update II: Michael A. Taylor drew a one-out walk in the fifth. Wilson Ramos followed with a double down the left field line, scoring Taylor all the way from first.

Scherzer then smoked a single up the middle, giving the Nats runners at the corners with still one out for Rendon. After battling with Orioles starter Chris Tillman, Rendon drove the eighth pitch of the at-bat to right, plating Ramos for the lead.

Tillman then gave up a base hit to Escobar and walked Bryce Harper to load the bases. But Jayson Werth grounded out to Machado, ending the threat.

Update III: J.J. Hardy ripped a leadoff double off Scherzer to start the seventh. Scherzer battled back, fanning pinch-hitter Jimmy Paredes and then getting a spectaular diving play from Clint Robinson on Parra's sharp grounder for the second out.

With Hardy on third, Machado stepped to the plate with Scherzer having thrown 117 pitches. On a 2-2 count, Machado unloaded on Scherzer's 98 mph heater, sending it soaring to seats in left-center for a two-run homer.

Machado's homer ended Scherzer's evening after a season-high 122 pitches. He allowed four runs on seven hits with two walks and 12 strikeouts.

Update IV: Jonathan Papelbon was ejected for hitting Machado with a fastball with two outs in the ninth.

Orioles right-hander Darren O'Day shut down the Nats in order in the ninth.

The Orioles beat the Nats 4-3.